New rugged and waterproof APRS capable radio! VGC VR-N76

[@grob25]

Well, that's my next radio. These are all the features I was waiting for someone to make affordable. Great job man. Thank you.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! It's been a lot of fun to use and plan on making more content with it!

[@BakerStudiosIndy]

Impressive rig and an exceptional value. I had a chance to handle one a few weeks ago, and the build quality impressed me.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

APRS BBS sounds cool

[@rubehickscube]

I have the VR-N7500 and it's been my favorite radio ever. I'll have to give this a try to pair well with the HT app.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That one seems like a great radio as well. I have one on the way and can't wait to check it out!

[@jarredjones8476]

They use the same app although BTECHs version will have its own app but can still use the HT app

[@rogersmith4926]

Amazing radio, but I would like to see one with DMR, this would be even better

[@ScottPlude]

I just finished buying one. Thanks for the great content!!!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Enjoy the radio! More content to come!

[@highdesertdrew1844]

Neat radio, neat form factor, I think there are some unique possibilities for what this can do, but this is essentially a MD UV390, with bluetooth and no DMR. FYI, DMR already has some text messaging and location functionality built in. I think this radio having an "an app for that" is a unique feature, also the MD UV390 is a few years old at this point, and doesn't have some things like the USB-C port. I think there's still room in this world for neat things with analog radio, but I'm really looking more towards DMR..... . In short, really cool radio... but.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Definitely a cool radio 🙂 Sadly, none of the DMR radios have phone pairing and texting back and forth on radios is painful, but it works in a pinch. I'm actually working on some DMR radio reviews as well so stay tuned 🙂

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Aliunce hd2, tytmd390+ ?

[@Subgunman]

I still use an old GE PE series radio as a baton while keeping my Astro Saber in good condition.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

SOLID choice 😂

[@Liberty4Ever]

Even without any interest in APRS and phone pairing, this looks like it could be a good value option for a full featured quality HT. CHIRP programmability is always a plus.

[@whheg]

At 12:02 you make mention of BSS Routing 2 options. If you change both of those values to 1 then the radio will digipeat APRS signals. Phone has to be connected to radio though you don’t have to have a cell/data signal.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I saw the email they sent out about this. Very cool!

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

Can you do WinLink with it?

[@mikekd9bku333]

great video! I think I just found my next radio to purchase

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@thebear6751]

What’s better the btech pro or this radio

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Working on the BTECH video now. They're pretty much the same radio. Same specs, same app etc. The BTECH has NOAA weather alerts if that's a feature you need l. The VGC has other color options. That's about it as far as differences

[@KD1ZML]

Did I hear right, APRS to the mesh BBS?! Also, any chance you’ll be doing a TH-D75 video?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep, that is something that will be experimented with. Shouldn't be too dissimilar to the JS8CALL integration 🙂 I'll be doing a video on the Kenwood as well when we get into more APRS related videos

[@joffito2495]

I am a complete beginner but i‘d like to contribute and set up an iGate. Does someone have a good ressource where to start? Using a raspberry would be cool.

[@Jeffblk19]

What is battery capacity? Can battery be replaced on the fly? Model number of replacement battery? Do you have to program thru iphone or ipad? Can you program it using something like chirp? Thank you

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Battery is 2600mAh Battery is removable. Also, the USB-C port is on the battery itself, so you could charge the battery even when it's not attached to the radio Radio has a battery model BP-26B but the website doesn't have that on there. Only the BP-52 which says its compatible so it may be a updated battery or something. I don't believe it can be programmed with CHIRP but not 100% sure about that. I'm fairly certain it can only be programmed through the app

[@jarredjones8476]

Can't use chirp ..it uses an app. There's are batteries you can buy for auxillary, but you can't get them from Vero the manufacturer

[@matthewdavies2057]

Disasters eat batteries. I wish a much larger battery was an option.

[@jarredjones8476]

@@matthewdavies2057 yup it needs a bigger 4500mah or bigger battery an eliminater option

[@matthewdavies2057]

One of the other clones of that radio comes with weather alert. Wonder if we can stick that firmware in this radio?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I think it should technically work. The firmware update process is through the app though and I suppose the server sees which radio is requesting the firmware and only offers up that one.

[@SP9NGL]

Can you input Rx in 437.800 MHz and Tx in 145.990 MHz saved in one chanel? More content on APRS or HAM Sats is welcome. Great video, please continue with the same spirit 👌!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Apologies, meant to respond to you. Yes you can and it will be covered in the next video 🙂

[@SP9NGL]

@@The_Comms_Channel No worries, mine "Red" one arrived and tested already by myself. Also find a way to "unlock" 446 PMR just in case ever is needed.

[@thedarthsidious66]

This looks like a upgraded BAOFENG UV-17 GPS version. That body looks super similar! The charge port and even the volume knob are the same. Even retained some of the same body shape. The belt clip looks like a Radtel clip. Im curious what factory made this.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Definitely a lot of similarities. Don't have one in my possession at the moment to take a deeper look.

[@travelonward1811]

@@The_Comms_Channel Ok so heres what's crazy. b-tech just dropped an identical radio of this. its now called the uv-pro. it dropped just a few days ago and is in my hand. It's literally an identical device from b tech

[@P_RO_]

@@travelonward1811 Is the functionality identical?

[@travelonward1811]

@@P_RO_ in every way. Same software. Same mechanics. Same shell. Same functions. It's a clone in every sense of the word

[@jarredjones8476]

Same radio.. Vero telecom makes it..BTECH doesn't make anything​@@travelonward1811

[@dadsrcworkbench1322]

Great review on this radio. I have been watching a lot of reviews of this radio since it hit the market. It is a “budget APRS” radio that doesn’t cost as much as a HF radio with phone connectivity which is slick. I believe Vero makes the Radioddity GA-5WB and BT-Tech UV-Pro. I just started using APRS after getting into Mehstastic. I use it mostly when the ISS passes over. I didn’t know about the Chinese space station.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks! It's definitely a great radio to get into APRS with. Meshtastic is definitely a gateway into ham radio. There's a number of newly licensed hams on our discord that got interested in it from Meshtastic.

[@StevePinkham]

Does it charge with USB-C PD? Most radios I've tried so far do not and only charge with usb-a to c cables.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Not sure, but I will check into this.

[@jarredjones8476]

No slow charge only...it'll USB c USB c if it's not a high ah amount

[@StevePinkham]

So, yes, it will trigger a USB PD charger properly and hence charge off a USB PD source. It's the first radio I've had that does so.

[@ichigen511]

Got this video randomly recommended by KZbin so I clicked and was curious what am I looking at so I googled "aprs" and got a quick summary of what it is. Then I still wondered what the big deal is and luckily I didn't close the video and I heard you show the app with the space stations path and that it's possible to talk to an astronaut. Now I want one. After some more googling it appears one needs a Technician License (which sounds like it's pretty easy to get). So does one need that license to use this radio? How do they know if you have the license and who is checking? Did I just discover another dang rabbit hole on the internet to fall down?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Welcome to the channel! You do need a ham radio license to transmit with this radio, but there are apps to help you study for the test like HamStudy.org. When you get your license, you're given a call sign that you use during your use of the radio (that's how they know if you're licensed or not) as far as who's listening, it's other ham radio operators and potentially the FCC. There's more content to come so be sure to subscribe 🙂 feel free to reach out with any questions here or join our discord discord.com/invite/SqUvaqF5yf

[@rdsmith334]

You don’t need a license. They probably won’t acknowledge you though. Just don’t be an asshole. But you can most definitely go down the rabbit hole of buying it, building the antenna, and listening in.

[@Hebdomad7]

Welcome to the rabbit hole of amateur radio...

[@P_RO_]

@@rdsmith334 You can listen without a license but not transmit. We Hams are protective of our small bandwidth allocations and we "police" our own selves, even hunting down illegal operators and handing them over to the FCC. Technician licenses are very easy- I've spoken on their air with a 9 year old girl- so do it the right way.

[@rdsmith334]

@@P_RO_ you “hunt down illegal operators”?! LMFAO!!! Okay buddy. Sure you do. And it’s not the test that’s an issue, it’s paying the government a fee so that I can utilize a naturally occurring worldwide phenomenon. I’ll pass. Btw, I’m also on HF, with my icom 705, and regularly utilize NVIS. All 100% self taught from books and videos, no license. Stop trying to gatekeep knowledge.

[@PreppedScots]

Hiya lad do you know accessory port the radio uses e.g Motorola ,midland, baofeng/kenwood etc

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I don't have the exact cable at the moment, but looking at my Yaesu FT-4X, it appears to be the same. I'm 99% sure that's the case, but I'll try to find the cable to say for sure.

[@ajdu5390]

Thank you, this was great!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChrisZBr0wn]

As of yesterday (10/13/2024) they updated the N76 to have bluetooth KISS TNC. Finally!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Awesome update! Just did a video on it!

[@ChrisZBr0wn]

@@The_Comms_Channel just watched. Well done!

[@DavePhelps]

Does it do smart beacon?

[@timgrossner6494]

The radio, with the latest firmware upgrade, IS now a KISS TNC over BT.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep! Very cool!

[@chrisgr1999]

Nice relaxing water sound... 😂

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Haha, I agree 🌊

[@glennbartlett4139]

Made me have to pee after I bought this radio and the n7500😂❤

[@Ninjahippie]

How is the Bluetooth audio? I.E. can you realistically use a BT headset with it? The FT-5 will pair and work but it completely takes over and holds the audio channel open. I'm looking for a way to use multipoint to both an HT and my phone for things like events and on my motorcycle.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Good question. I don't have a BT headset to test with, but I suspect you'll need a BT headset with a PTT button for any radio to work in your scenario.

[@jarredjones8476]

If your headset has a PTT it will work.. they also make a PTT button if your headset doesn't. I have the blue tooth mic When paired all three devices can be used... Radio itself/ phone tablet/ auxiliary device... However I have a receive only earpiece and it won't allow the BT mic to connect when it is...

[@erikmutthersbough6508]

Will this APRS beacon to any APRS radio your position, or does it have to be the same brand of radios?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

The APRS features will work with any APRS radio. The feature where it transmits data at the end of voice transmissions is BSS so it would have to be another BSS capable radio to do that.

[@jarredjones8476]

Tell me you don't know what aprs is without telling me... Do Kenwood's talk to yaesus...😂

[@briankendall1978]

i just watched the last 2 mins of this video and now I have to go to the bathroom ;o) I was not clear on this but do messages on this radio work with other aprs stations (digipeaters)? Thanks for the great content! Looking forward to more on this radio.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Haha 😆 Yep, it will work with other APRS stations/digipeaters. You can set the path using the WIDEn-N format and has a selectable list of paths, including one for the space station Glad you're enjoying the content! Thanks for watching!

[@jarredjones8476]

Do Kenwood's talk to yaesus on APRS...what a stupid question there are several videos on this radio and it's variants...use the search bar

[@briankendall1978]

@@jarredjones8476 yes Kenwood radios and Yaesu radios that transmit aprs packet will talk to each other. I think APRS is an old Bell labs(AX25) protocol that has been adapted for radio. Now the Yaesu System Fusion and Kenwood Dstar digital modes do NOT directly interoperate. I believe Dstar on Icom and Kenwood radios will also work together because it is the same Dstar protocol.

[@briankendall1978]

I had another question. When you are sending an APRS message and you insert the Callsign and SSID in to the text field, do you have to pad with spaces if the Callsign is less than 6 characters. The reason I ask is because i have been playing with a TNC made from an arduino nano and I have read the APRS spec sheet and the APRS protocol has spots for 6 characters in the callsign field and 1 for the SSID and if the call is shorter than 6 it will leave a space character as place holders so it does not mess up the aprs sentence. So if you send an APRS message to ALL or to CQ, do you have to add spaces like (CQ :Hello everyone!!) to get the radio to send the message in APRS format? I hope you understand what I am trying to ask.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I understand. I don't think the padding is needed but I will confirm and get back to you as soon as I can

[@Baelyn]

I would like to see this radio with the option of a built in touch screen. Im becoming more and more fond of stand alone devices, I dont trust phones...

[@wadeduvall7026]

I totally get that not everybody is in the position to do this, so no judgment. But I would absolutely rather give my money to Kenwood/Icom than to some PRC controlled company.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Totally hear you and don't fault you for the viewpoint. If anything, hopefully these more affordable feature rich radios will drive prices down on the Japanese radios a bit. Or at the very least drive innovation. I'm a big fan of Icom (as shown by the wall of Icom radios in the background) but doing things like releasing an ID-52 Plus with very minor upgrades is disappointing when these cheaper radios are coming out with more features.

[@KA4UPW]

Want to buy my Yeasu FT5DR? Its now obsoleted!

[@Peterthethinker]

Competition Spurs innovation back in the 2000s I grew up on Icom but I hate how slow the incumbents are to innovate on simple things like USBC charging . ​@@The_Comms_Channel

[@wadeduvall7026]

@@KA4UPW Notice how I didn't list Yeasu in my list lmfao. I cannot stand their UI/UX.

[@P_RO_]

If I could afford to, I'd go 'big name' only too. The reality is that most of the components are now made in China even for the big names so your money goes there one way or another. The big three aren't going away even with the cheaper radios being out here; they rule HF and always will.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

That is a sweet HT! I have looking to add some good HTs to my families comms kits and I think these maybe just those HTs.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Solid choice for sure!

[@ScottPlude]

I agree. I also really dig the USB-C charging feature. It allows me to reduce the number of chargers that I need. I have yaseu ft-60r from a long time ago, a charger for that. I have UV-5R, another charger for that. We all have ell phones and their chargers. For my family, we all have USB-C. We can now ditch all chargers but one, and we are now in the APRS family.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

I like mine.

[@CraigAnthny]

Wondering how this compares with the btech uvpro

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I believe they're basically the same radio with some minor differences. I have one on the way and will be doing a video on it soon. Stay tuned!

[@CraigAnthny]

@@The_Comms_Channel looking forward to it!

[@blankreganon5395]

Is this the same radio as the new BTECH UV-PRO?

[@jarredjones8476]

No the BTECH is the same radio as this l. BTECH dies t make anything they buy in bulk and rebrand..I have a FB group for all 3 versions of this radio...

[@blankreganon5395]

I never said that BTech made any radios themselves. I was just asking of they were the same radio, which you did answer. Thanks!

[@jarredjones8476]

@@blankreganon5395 BTECh made an app for this radio as it does a few different things but the app for this radio will also operate the UV pro. Have a great day;)

[@jesuspompa1473]

Does it unlock to other frequencies?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yes, mine are unlocked for GMRS/FRS, MURS.

[@jesuspompa1473]

@@The_Comms_Channel Game changer. Thanks Bro.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Can you explain like I’m 5 why APRS is good for emcomm/tacomm ? I’m still confused what the benefits are & does it touch the internet use repeaters ect?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Good question. Too much to cover in a comment, but will definitely cover this in a video soon.

[@jarredjones8476]

Go watch aprs videos..

[@kevinj8258]

Bobbob-- the simple answer is that APRS can get through more information in a faster transaction. It gives you more options via satellite and digipeters on mountain tops.

[@jaredharvey1511]

Can it do things like MURS? Can it be used for direction finding signals in search rescue type of activities?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

It will technically transmit on MURS and GMRS, but it's not type accepted for those bands. Which basically means the FCC hasn't approved it for use on those bands. That said, there's no way anyone can know what type of radio you're transmitting on, but if you want to be on the up and up, this radio should only transmit on the ham radio bands. As far as direction finding. The radio can be used for that as long as the signal is on a frequency the radio covers. It also has an S-Meter (Signal strength meter) that helps in direction finding. I'll be covering that in the direction-finding series.

[@jaredharvey1511]

@@The_Comms_Channel I recall the good old days with Ramsey DDF1 Doppler direction finder kits. Newer SDR stuff seems interesting.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Those were cool units for sure! More content on the KrakenSDR DF coming soon 🙂

[@jaredharvey1511]

@@The_Comms_Channel Am I correct that KrakenSDR is receiving only? I didn't see transmit yet. Would be cool if that could transmit.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

It is receive only since its RTL-SDR based. There are some SDRs like HackRF and PlutoSDR that can transmit though but wouldn't work for DFing of course.

[@Siskiyous6]

I am finding mine to be the easiest aprs option I have tried

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Definitely a user friendly option

[@bruehlt]

Damn - I can't believe that there is another option other than the big 3 with built in APRS?!! That's damn cool!!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep! Good to see some affordable APRS options!

[@Peterthethinker]

@@The_Comms_Channel I have a FC3DR. I dont want a touch screen the kenwood is WAY out of my price range. Icoms HTs are limp. MICRO USB. really Icom!?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@Peterthethinker I hear you. I'm glad this option is available 🙂

[@markdupuis879]

That's awesome

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Cool radio for sure!

[@BlitzK]

The reason the baofeng/clones became popular was because they were $20-25. It's not such a great deal at 6+ times that because it has APRS built in.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

They're also complete garbage. Hook one of those cheap Baofengs to a spectrum analyzer and see. It's not just aprs built in. This is higher quality and doesn't have the spurious emissions that those cheaper radios have. Plus it's completely waterproof, pairs with phones and accompanying app, and the list goes on...

[@rdsmith334]

As someone that has a bunch of Baofengs, is non licensed, and regularly sends encrypted data bursts through my cheap Baofengs, this is like comparing apples and oranges man. And I don’t care about the spurious emissions BS either. Educate yourself on these capabilities he goes over and you’ll quickly figure it out.

[@BlitzK]

@rdsmith334 why not just buy a real radio then?

[@BlitzK]

@@The_Comms_Channel Have you looked at this radio on a rectum spanalyzer? Is it much different? I mean, after all, this is just another baofeng clone radio. This time the UV-PRO.

[@GeorgeAdams]

@@BlitzKit’s pretty easy to find others who have.

[@KA4UPW]

Take my money !

[@markwagner7023]

Can this radio pair with the OpenSpot4 Pro for DMR, D-Star, Fusion? Thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! I'm not super familiar with the openSPOT stuff, but my understanding is that it's only for radios that already do digital voice and this one is analog. I do see on their website that it supports APRS, so maybe that side of things will work. I just don't know enough about it to give you a recommendation at the moment 🙂

[@markwagner7023]

Thanks, BTW great video! I you hear that it does support the OpenSpot, please let us know!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks and will do!

[@dk07tr]

this is DMR or D star?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

No digital voice with this one

[@jasonbugalecki6258]

can you use the d74 with that app?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

The app isn't compatible with the D74. APRSdroid will work though for similar functionality.

[@prestonm4s]

the only thing it's missing is DMR and encryption but you can't have everything I guess

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That would make it THE radio to have for sure

[@KA4UPW]

HAMs cant use encryption!

[@kerbalairforce8802]

​@@KA4UPW you can do whatever you want. I'm going to obscure my conversations.

[@KA4UPW]

@@kerbalairforce8802 If caught with encryption on ham bands youll be fined and loose your license. Save it for gmrs and frs

[@prestonm4s]

@@kerbalairforce8802 there's always that one guy

[@Peaktac]

Could this interference with ATAK?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

There are plugins to receive APRS data into ATAK. Not aware of any for communication back and forth using APRS. It could be done, but would want to keep it off the main APRS frequency.

[@503Nick]

Vrn7500 has the same features but it’s 50w and cheaper 😅 I’ve been using it for over a year

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I've not gotten a chance to use one but it also looks like a great inexpensive way to get into APRS as well!

[@503Nick]

@@The_Comms_Channel I use it as a portable igate linked to a cellular capable tablet. I use my ftm400 for messaging and smart beaconing.

[@503Nick]

R&L electronics has consistently been the lowest price on the vrn7500

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@503Nick I might have to check one out!

[@jarredjones8476]

I have a FB group for this radio and it's 2 variants by radioddity and BTech .

[@blankreganon5395]

What is the name of the FB group?

[@jarredjones8476]

@@blankreganon5395 it's the name of the radios... Veron76 radioddity GA-5WB and btech

[@jarredjones8476]

@@blankreganon5395 the name of the radio and it's variants

[@ngk330]

So do I need a license for this?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yes, this requires a Ham radio license to transmit on ham radio frequencies.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I'll be working on videos on a number of radios with similar features that don't require a license.

[@ngk330]

@@The_Comms_Channel I’m hoping to find a handheld that I can connect to phone to text similar to meshtastic but I want the entire thing as 1 unit, it’s too cold to deploy nodes where I live I’m pretty sure.

[@gaborm4767]

would be good around $50

[@jarredjones8476]

Find another radio that does aprs for $50... There's stuff it'll do he didn't show like how close other users are... Igating etc...well worth what I paid for mine...

[@9M2PJU]

Disadvantages 1. No inbox for APRS messages 2. No smartbeaconing for APRS 3. HT app could be better

[@charlesvrogers]

Instead of buying another handheld you might try the VGC 7500 instead.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That is a good idea! 💡

[@charlesvrogers]

@@The_Comms_Channel Just one more thing if you get the VGC 7500 also look for the BHM-78 hand mic

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mediocreman2]

Pretty cool feature set! I wish I could consider buying it, but I'm doing what I can to avoid Chinese products, at least for now. If they change their alliances that are currently against the US, maybe that will change in the future. And yes you can buy a made in USA cell phone since that's usually people's argument against that.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Definitely a cool radio. Totally hear you 🇺🇲 Hopefully the prices can come down on some of the other radios now that these feature rich and inexpensive radios are coming out.

[@travelonward1811]

Technically you can use the b-tech uv pro. I hear anyways the parts are china made but it's us built from Nevada. Have to fact check me but might help out

[@travelonward1811]

im so confused. i just purchased the b-tech uv-pro. identical in every way. same software. same device, same everything. what is happening

[@The_Comms_Channel]

The UV-PRO is a clone of this radio.

[@travelonward1811]

The only thing that confuses me about that statement is I've been able to navigate my UV-PRO via gmrs-pro videos. The grms pro has been out for over a year now. The software on the radio your using is identical to the b-tech gmrs pro internally and via the app. Wouldn't that mean this brand is more likely the clone of the b-tech if the software that's running yours is just a mimick of a year old product ?

[@travelonward1811]

​@@The_Comms_Channelsorry also another thought. B-tech UV-PRO was released about 2 weeks ago or so. Same as this one. Clearly one is copying the other at minimum. But how on earth is that possible if they both are so fresh on the market ?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

By clone, I don't mean stolen. They're manufactured in the same facility and the companies put their own spin on it.

[@travelonward1811]

@@The_Comms_Channel oh gotcha! Thank you for the clarification on that haha. I didn't realize this was a practice in ham radio! Thanks for the responses!!!

[@Chasing_The_Dream]

Speaker mic like Motorola. A Motorola speakermic alone will break the bank.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

True 😂

[@snarkywriter1317]

I actually found out the hard way it *doesn't* use a Motorola 2-Pin after I bought a wired PPT for it. After asking Vero about it, I found out it has the same, slightly different from Motorola 2-Pin, proprietary plug as the GMRS-Pro radio. You need to purchase a BTECH GMRS-PRO K1 Adaptor Cable, after which you can use any Kenwood connector devices like mics/PTTs.

[@jarredjones8476]

​@@snarkywriter1317ask Vero they will send you one

[@JM-mv7sv]

All it's missing is DMR

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I'll be giving DMR some love in upcoming videos

[@4johnybravo]

Aprs radios like this are far more usefull and i believe are the future of ham radios, people wanna text over radio more thank talk nowdays its a nore usefull feature..

[@The_Comms_Channel]

💯

[@KA4UPW]

I just ordered 2ea. Before they go out of stock !

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Cool radios and you'll have fun with them!

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

Hehe sending pictures

[@swbusby]

Specifications for the radio do not include GPS nor APRS.

[@503Nick]

It is aprs capable.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I can confirm that it definitely has it 🙂

[@AsciiWolf]

@@503Nick Does it really transmit and receive regular AX.25 APRS (without using the mobile app)? The problem with these radios (including for example Quansheng) is that although their DSP chips (usually from Beken) contain an AFSK 1200 modem, they for some stupid reason include a non-standard preamble in the signal (and expect that preamble in the received signal) and it is not possible to turn this off. Transmitting regular AX.25 APRS is possible by generating the AFSK signal directly on the MCU, bypassing the internal AFSK modem, receiving however is not possible without using a better MCU like ESP32.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yes. I am able to send and receive messages directly from the radio to my Kenwood TH-D75 without using the app.

[@AsciiWolf]

@@The_Comms_Channel If that's really the case, that's great news because it means that they did either overcome the chip limitations or they use a better MCU. Now, we can start dreaming of alternative firmwares for this radio with much extended functionality just like community did with Quansheng. 🙂

[@TalmidAndy]

The price is too high for this radio office especially as it is tethered to an app for most of its features - one that will have a limited use as versions of Android change and the manufacturer gets bored with this product.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

APRS, which is the primary feature people will get this radio for, works directly on the radio. The app is not required.

[@glynnetolar4423]

Wow ham radios in the 21th century. Funny how the high priced Japanese radios are so far behind.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yeah, it's pretty crazy how many features this has for the price.

[@steveodgen9052]

Has anyone conducted a security review of these cool new radios? Tin foil hat here, it is Chinese and it can broadcast your location......

[@bulldogbrower6732]

You do have the ability to turn the GPS off. With 337 million American and 5 watts of RF do you really think they are interested in your camping spot.

[@ThomasHart59]

Please don't mess up the APRS frequency with non-aprs noise. Both with this radios non-compliant protocol, and with the "BBS" software. There is a dedicated packet-radio frequency different from APRS for BBS and other comms. Please do not do this on the APRS frequency, which is for position reporting on AX25, not BBSing.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Please tell me, ham police, when did I say to use it on the APRS frequency? I even show it being used on 145.525. Here's a gold star sticker for your efforts though ⭐ Congratulations 🎉 🚓

[@ThomasHart59]

@@The_Comms_Channel Wow, my apologies for misunderstanding your intent. However, you clearly implied usage with both APRS and this unit's proprietary protocol interchangeably, and regardless if that was the intent or not, others could come to that conclusion. I did, and I'm far from the "ham police", a "sad ham" or whatever witty retort you feel is appropriate here. However, you did say APRS BBS, and I'll stand by my statement that such usage has no place in the APRS space, a sentiment that anyone who really understands the issues and limitations within that space would probably agree. Interesting though, I didn't think my comment was nasty or deserving of such a harsh response in any way. Have we devolved so far as a community that any comment that is interpreted as critical is now met with a ridiculously non-linear response, rather than a rational, civil discussion and or correction? Thanks for the video, it is a pretty cool radio in the chineseum space, albeit a bit pricey for what it adds. Like you though, I am partial to the color. I have re-cased two of my XTS 2500s (UHF and 900) to this color as well.

[@KA4UPW]

@@ThomasHart59 I didnt interpret that at all. But good to clearify incase someone else did as you did

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I show it being used as packet data at the end of voice comms in the video and licensed hams should know not to use voice on the APRS frequency. If you came to the wrong conclusion, that's on you. It's not my job to school people on every little nuance in every video I do; that's why there's a test you study for when getting licensed. As far as my response, your response was more of a combative one than one looking to have a rational discussion. Do you seriously think starting off a comment with "That's cool, [enter in whatever sarcastic response here]" is one in good faith? - You imply that I was suggesting that people use this inappropriately and create noise on the APRS frequency - You attack my BBS software by putting "BBS" in quotes in an effort to make it seem less than worthy of use That's why you got the response you got.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

In response to your edited comment: I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I agree it is a cool radio and hope to see more like it. The reason my BBS is an APRS BBS is because I'm looking for a way to get BBS functionality in these APRS only radios and for apps like APRSdroid. You can use APRS off the main freq and the APRS BBS is meant to work off 144.390, but I can see where that could cause confusion.

[@LabiaLicker]

If the app isn't open source. Then the radio is basically future ewaste...

[@The_Comms_Channel]

If you say so...